[StBernard] B ZONES

[Westley Annis]

Hey Sue,
 
Yes a B zone is a no flood zone and therefore there is not a corresponding
BFE that you would be looking for.  That means that there is no issue of
compliance now nor was there one for before the storm.  Residents in a B
zone are free to move ahead as they see fit.  Here is the piece that may be
giving some heartburn to B zone residents:  the LRA has published a
statement that in order to access any financial assistance in the housing
plan residents will have to comply with the Advisory Base Flood Elevation
guidelines that required elevating houses 3ft above adjacent ground
elevation or to the BFE, whichever is greater.  We have been fighting
against this clause and believe there will be an exemption clause developed
for areas that the Avisory does not work for that will come out.  Therefore,
if one is not waiting on the LRA assistance plan and you are in a B zon e or
you are compliant with the BFE wherever you are- you are free to move ahead.
As stated all along, residents must think in terms of the intermediate and
long term future for the areas around them, much like if people were buying
and/or building a house in a new neighborhood with few others in place.  The
difference is the previous circumstance is used by many to be the
anticipated immediate future and that may be inaccurate.
 
Please send me any questions about this that does not clear up the general
guidelines. 
 
Good luck and God Bless,
Craig